Chapter 19: The Shop

Chapter 19: The Shop

[System Notification]

<New Feature Unlocked!>

{Since 500 Currency has been reached, <Shop> will now be made available to the User}

[Total Currency in User's possession: 600 C]

"I see," I nodded.

The System Window appeared before me shortly after learning of my newfound wealth.

The fact that I could unlock something worth 500 Currency without lifting a finger was incredible.

'It feels good!' I grinned happily.

Without wasting any time, I called out "Shop" and another System Window instantly appeared.

'There are a lot of things I need at the moment, and I also need to plan for the future in this world.' I mused, my mind racing with ideas.

In this new reality, Currency was needed for any kind of transaction.

It was everything.

Although I didn't fully grasp how it worked, my intuition told me that Currency was the most valuable asset in this world, both monetarily and in terms of value.

"The name says it all," I murmured, a smile forming as I gazed at the System Shop before me.

The possibilities were limitless with Currency.

[SYSTEM SHOP]

{Welcome to the Shop, where we Sell you anything you need, or want. As long as you possess enough 'Currency', you can get anything here.} noVE)lB-1n

< Available Balance: 600 C >

~Skill Section~

~Item Section~

~Information Section~

~Lucky Draw ( 1 C )~

~Custom Request ( 1,000 C )~

[Let's Do Business]

"Ahh..." I sighed, taking in the interface.

Oddly, it felt somewhat familiar.

Each section's purpose became clear to me instantly, but my attention was soon drawn towards one specific part.

'Custom Request, huh?' I smirked.

"A bit too expensive for my current situation," I mused.

I couldn't even entertain the thought of such an option without the required amount. It was pointless wasting time on something I couldn't currently obtain. Yet, the fact that it drew my interest suggested it was incredibly important and useful.

'I'll need to spend wisely while saving up for it,' I resolved.

Being frugal was essential, especially considering how costly things were bound to get going forward.

'I'll probably rely on it more after the Tutorial. Having a head start doesn't mean I should squander my resources,' I reminded myself.

My gaze wandered to the Lucky Draw section next.

"Although it costs only 1 Currency, the outcome is unpredictable. I might score a valuable item or end up with a worthless trinket," I figured.

Despite the uncertainty, my curiosity got the better of me. For some reason, I was so drawn towards it.

In fact, because of my hesitance, I already knew what I needed from the System Shop.

It was something I needed desperately at this point since I could barely understand what was going on.

I needed information, and I needed it immediately. So, I tapped on the Information Section, leading me to a new screen.

However, there was only one item available for purchase.

"Basic Survival Information, huh? That's it?" I speculated that the choice available was due to my current level.

"It costs 100 Currency? Seriously? That's exorbitant!" I couldn't help but exclaim.

It seemed outrageous considering everyone started with just 100 C.

Nevertheless, the allure of gaining a crucial edge in this new world was too tempting to resist.

I made up my mind.

It was the key to unlocking the mysteries behind this strange situation I found myself in, and I was determined to uncover them, no matter the cost.

~DING!~

<Basic Survival Information Has Been Purchased>

{100 Currency has been used for this transaction. <Total Currency Remaining: 500 C >}

[Thanks for your patronage]

In the end, I purchased it.

"The fact that it's expensive implies it holds value. If I use it wisely, I should gain valuable information," I reasoned.

Thinking about it rationally, most people wouldn't gamble their entire Currency stash on uncertain information. However, the Shop's 500 Currency entry requirement indicated that the System intended this information to be easily accessible to only those with a certain level of resources.

'Fair enough. You had better not disappoint me!' I muttered.

There was nothing more I wanted in this new world than to survive.

"Show me your contents!"

[Survival Information (Basic)]

Welcome, dear <User>

This world operates on Systems and Stats.

Here's what you need to know:

To start with, there exists Skills, Titles, and Status Information.

Skills: Special abilities you can use. They can either be active or passive.

Titles: Earned by achieving certain milestones or fulfilling certain conditions. They grant unique effects in specific situations.

Status Information: This section displays a User's vital details, including the User's Name, Race, Level, Life Force, Energy Level, Combat Ability, Stat Points, Role, Authority, Titles, Skills (Exclusive/Non-Exclusive), Items Equipped, Alignment, and 'Additional Information.'

Unlike typical RPG settings or Game-Like System narratives, there are no standard 'Classes' or 'Jobs.' Everyone has a distinct 'Role,' which grants them an 'Authority' as their exclusive attribute.

Each individual has Exclusive Skills, unique to them, and Non-Exclusive Skills, special abilities earned naturally or bought from <Shop>.

Levels are earned by defeating Demons or completing Quests. As you level up, more Exclusive Skills unlock (though additional requirements might apply).

Leveling up also grants Stat Points, which enhances the abilities of the User.

Life Force, Energy Level, and Combat Ability measure one's physical status and conditions. They can be increased through Stat Points, or by physical exertion and training. They can also be temporarily increased by certain Skills.

Stat Points are acquired through Leveling Up, with each level granting three points (typically allocated to Life Force, Energy Level, and Combat Ability). However, the mode of usage is up to the discretion of the individual.

Currency as can be deduced from the name, is the primary means of transaction recognized in this world. It is used to make purchases in the System Shop or conduct trades between two parties. You can earn it as Quest Rewards or through transactions and occasionally find it in Treasure Chests.

The System Shop hosts things that individuals can purchase to boost strength. Items, Skills, and even Information can be bought. It also has a Lucky Draw (though the odds of getting something truly valuable are one in a million, literally.)

You can request unique items not found in the System Store through 'Custom Request.' Be prepared, for the price is steep, but it allows you to obtain exclusive merchandise.

Keep in mind that you'll still need to cover the item's cost. If payment isn't made within a week, the item goes up for auction in the System Shop.

[End Of Information]

"Wow, this is a lot!" I exclaimed, absorbing the wealth of information on the screen. Some of it was new, while others confirmed what I already knew.

Yet, a prevailing theme in the information hit me hard.

"It's just as I feared..." I sighed, my gaze locked on the display.

"Hiding out in the hotel was a mistake," I realized.

According to the information, I needed to hunt Demons to become stronger and gain rewards.

If I didn't act now, while things were relatively manageable, my chances of survival would plummet once the Tutorials ended.

"Damn. That's the way it is," I muttered, anxiety welling up as I stared at the locked pharmacy door.

"To survive in this world, I have to be more proactive." The weight of this newfound responsibility settled on my shoulders, and I couldn't deny the urgency of the situation any longer.

The world outside was filled with unknown dangers and potential rewards, and I needed to step out of my comfort zone and face them head-on.

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[A/N]

Sorry, for the info dump in this chapter. I felt it was necessary to properly explain some things.

Please give your comments on this chapter, and on the story generally.

Send your Power Stones and support me in any way you can as well

Thanks, everyone!